The first time I tried halloumi cheese on holiday in Cyprus many years ago I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. As a pre-dinner snack, we would sit outside on the balcony of our apartment at sunset enjoying slices of grilled halloumi and bottles of ice cold beer. Uncooked it’s pretty unimpressive and quite squeaky on your teeth, but pop it under the grill for a few minutes and it transforms into a salty delicious flavour bomb!

When I’m working at home it’s all too easy for me to turn into the queen of procrastination. Endless cups of tea, a few loads of washing, a bit of sock pairing and anything else that’s got nothing to do with what I’m actually supposed to be doing! I also usually put my oven to good work, either roasting up some veggies for quick meals, baking or slow cooking a stew.

Everyone seems to be talking about Chia seeds at the moment so I thought it was time to see what all the fuss was about. As a rule I try to restrict puds to weekends and then treat myself to whatever I fancy but it’s no bad thing to look for heathier alternatives to processed sugars. Although this recipe is made with natural ingredients it’s still incredibly sweet and perfect for an occasional treat.

In the summer I love sitting outside with an ice cold glass of cider, although I have to admit that overindulging in the past it has given me some of the most evil hangovers imaginable. Serves me right really.

If you find yourself overburdened with hot cross buns this Easter then let me tempt you with this recipe. My twist on bread and butter pudding but even easier to make because the fruit is already in the buns – oh it also has a little luxurious boozy twist. Well why not!

If you’re suffering from a cold then I’ve got just the thing to pep you right up. This infusion is so simple to make and includes a huge kick of ginger, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a good spoonful of delicious soothing honey. Sadly this drink won’t cure your cold, but it will fill your sickly bod with lots of lovely natural ingredients. It tastes pretty good too!

Just typing up this recipe brings back memories of how good it tasted! Sage and pork are match made in heaven, and the roasted butternut squash is wonderfully sweet with a comfortingly soft texture. You just pop everything in the oven and return 30mins later to the most beautiful combination of flavours.(more…)

A warming, winter salad with the sweetness of roasted vegetables and the distinctive flavour of goats cheese. The addition of puy lentils brings a deepness to the flavour. I tend to make up a big batch that will last a couple of lunches. Wholesome and comforting.